Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Just one mutation can make H5N1 bird flu a threat to humans, California researchers say
The Scripps Research Institute finding counters prevailing thought that the virus would require multiple mutations before it poses a threat to public health.
USDA says it will start testing milk for H5N1 bird flu virus nationwide
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday that it will sample the nation's milk supply to test for the H5N1 bird flu virus.
Abcarian: UnitedHealthcare's chief executive was shot dead. Why did thousands react with glee?
It's a measure of how deeply loathed U.S. health insurers are that the shooting death of Brian Thompson was met with an outpouring of anger — at him.
Trump's first term brought world-changing vaccine. His second could bring retreat
Some are sounding the alarm regarding Trump's public health picks, concerned that the nominees' vaccine skepticism could jeopardize the nation's ability to respond to infectious threats.
Authorities probe whether presumptive bird flu case is connected to raw milk
More than a week after Marin County reported a presumptive bird flu case in a child, details are still murky.
What is spondylolisthesis, the back condition that derailed Luigi Mangione's life?
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, struggled with spondylolisthesis before receiving surgery.
Requiem for the unclaimed dead
At an annual Los Angeles ceremony, nearly 2,000 people — some unidentified, some children — were laid to rest.
Doctors identify 'alarming' new strain of drug-resistant bacteria in Los Angeles
County health officials have identified what appears to be a strain unique to Los Angeles amid a spike in drug-resistant shigellosis cases.
Gov. Newsom declares emergency in California after CDC confirms severe case of bird flu in Louisiana
As the CDC confirmed a severe case in Louisiana of a patient hospitalized with H5N1 bird flu, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California related to...
Doctor surrenders license after allegations that he sexually abused patients and employees
Dr. Mohammad Rasekhi agreed to give up his license after the Medical Board of California detailed allegations that he sexually abused three women under his care.
Why scientists say we are fighting H5N1 bird flu with one hand tied behind our backs
When, where and how the H5N1 bird flu virus may evolve and its capacity to spark a pandemic is hard to predict — in part, some researchers say, because of...
What to know about infectious diseases during this holiday season
As friends and family visit, so too do their viruses. What's trending and where? And how can you protect yourself? The Times speaks with Peter Chin-Hong, a UCSF infectious disease...
Commentary: This cancer vaccine should spare future generations from ordeals like my wife's
A cluster of cancers caused by HPV are now preventable, but the vaccine is under constant siege from politicians.
Can probiotic supplements prevent hangovers?
A new class of over-the-counter probiotic supplements claim to prevent hangovers by reducing gut acetaldehyde. Some scientists are skeptical.
U.S. norovirus cases spiking this holiday season. Here's how to avoid the stomach bug
The number of national norovirus outbreaks was the highest seen in December since at least 2012. Experts suggest increased hand-washing to avoid catching the ultra-contagious stomach bug.
Drug overdose deaths plummet in San Francisco. What's changed?
Drug overdose deaths fell sharply in San Francisco in 2024. Experts credit better access to overdose-reversal medication and medications that ease opioid addiction, as well as the waning effects of...
Why the U.S. surgeon general wants cancer warning labels on alcoholic drinks
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy wants Americans to know that drinking is a preventable risk factor for cancer, and he issued an advisory that calls for warning labels to be...
What a new study does — and doesn't — say about fluoride and its link to IQ
A new report that analyzes research on fluoride and IQ scores finds that the more fluoride a child is exposed to, the lower he or she tends to score on...
5 easy exercises for your head and neck to alleviate desk job aches and pains
In this six-part series, we'll give you quick exercises for different body parts every week to help you stay limber.
FDA sets limits for lead in many baby foods as California disclosure law takes effect
The FDA has set maximum levels for lead in baby food. A new California law requires baby food makers selling products in the state to disclose levels of four heavy...
How to protect yourself from the smoke caused by L.A. wildfires
The fires in L.A. have caused terrible air quality conditions across the county. Here are ways you can protect yourself, and your children, from the health impacts of wildfire smoke.
The FDA knew long ago that red dye No. 3 causes cancer. Why did it take so long to ban it?
The FDA banned the use of red dye No. 3 in foods and medicines sold in the U.S. because it has been shown to cause cancer in rats. The action...
Under Trump, we could be flying blind when it comes to bird flu, other infectious diseases
President Trump announced he's pulling the U.S. from the WHO. Now researchers are scrambling to understand what that means for the H5N1 bird flu pandemic.
Senators challenge Robert Kennedy Jr. on vaccines in confirmation hearing as health secretary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced aggressive questions about his skepticism of vaccines and other issues during the first of two scheduled Senate confirmation hearings.
Deadly version of H5N1 bird flu spills over into Nevada dairy cattle
A version of the H5N1 virus that has killed one person and severely sickened another has been detected in milk samples collected from Nevada dairy herds.
San Mateo County cat diagnosed with bird flu as CDC deletes evidence on possible feline-human transmission
San Mateo County public health officials reported finding H5N1 bird flu in a pet cat and a backyard poultry flock.
During fires, L.A. burn centers braced for crisis that never came
When the fires erupted Jan. 7, burn centers across the Los Angeles region braced for an influx of patients, updating one another on the beds and staff available for critically...
NIH cuts put medical research at risk, scientists say, raising concerns at UC and elsewhere
Drastic cuts to National Institutes of Health 'indirect funds' for medical research has prompted deep concerns at UC over how to continue studies into 'life-saving treatments.'